Nature

Providence Village in Denton County was honored with PETA's “Compassionate Town Award” for innovative measures to protect ducklings from storm drains, using recycled sediment control guards to prevent them from falling in. This solution emerged during the pandemic and is credited with resolving the issue.

Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Texas, which cares for over 5,000 wild birds annually, is raising funds for a $20,000 generator after narrowly avoiding disaster during the 2021 winter storm. Many migratory birds rely on heating to survive winter; the center aims to ensure backup power availability.

Plant researchers have difficulty finding field photos of nearly half of the 125,000 plant species in the Americas. Existing resources are scattered across various platforms, lacking a comprehensive global database. Researchers stress the urgent need for a unified database to aid identification and conservation efforts.

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center celebrates its 10th anniversary starting October 2, with six months of festivities including walks and activities. Located in DFW, it features accessible trails and diverse wildlife. Founded by David Hurt, it's a sanctuary for nature exploration and education, with future expansion and programs planned.

Volunteers counted dead birds in Dallas to assess the impact of the Lights Out Texas campaign, aimed at reducing building collisions during migration. Though results are preliminary, efforts focus on statewide awareness and lighting reduction. Texas, a crucial flyway, highlights the significant role of lighting in bird mortality.

Conservationists in Fort Worth are striving to protect the city’s last native prairie amid rapid development. The Fort Worth Prairie Park effort continues despite setbacks, aiming to unite private and public lands into a contiguous reserve. Stakeholders, including the Great Plains Restoration Council, collaborate to preserve this endangered ecosystem.

Cities and colleges in North Texas collaborate with Bee City USA to aid endangered pollinators, threatened by habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change. Denton, Arlington, Grapevine, and universities like UNT are enhancing green spaces and launching educational initiatives to create bee-friendly environments.

Walking beside a small pond, my friend spotted a snake in the vegetation near the trunk of a willow tree. She guessed it was a harmless water snake and was ready to grab it, but hesitated and yelled: “Cottonmouth!”

Frog calls enliven North Texas nights, with male Blanchard’s cricket frogs and Southern leopard frogs engaging in courtship sounds. Amidst their decline due to threats like chytrid fungus, conservation is essential. Residents can help by maintaining habitats and creating frog-friendly environments, enhancing natural insect control and enjoying amphibian songs.